Vintage cool: Hotel The Vintage, Lisbon, Portugal
You know them, those hotels that try just a little too hard. Design hotels where everything is so over-stylized that it just doesn't quite fit. Hotel The Vintage in Lisbon is the opposite of that. The boutique hotel, located between the Avenida da Liberdade and Bairro Alto neighborhoods (you'll want to visit both), does have style, in a relaxed, quirky way.
The interior is mid-century design with a rich color palette and clean lines, without being too "hip." Instead, you'll find carefully selected furniture, works by local artists, and—not unimportantly—a vintage drinks cart in your room where you can mix your own gin and tonic for free. A complimentary minibar upon arrival. Read again. Those kinds of little details that make a stay just that little bit more enjoyable.
The rooms are surprisingly spacious by European standards, with large windows overlooking Lisbon's architecture. The Castle Suite even has a view of the iconic Castelo de São Jorge. The bathrooms are modern, with rain showers and bath products from the Portuguese brand Claus Porto – not generic, but very nice.
From the rooftop terrace, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Downstairs, Blue Bistrot serves Portuguese dishes such as roasted octopus, ceviche, and squid tagliatelle. The restaurant has a nautical feel with wood paneling, and on sunny days, you can dine al fresco on the sheltered patio.
The spa is small and stylishly decorated, with a heated indoor pool, sauna, and hammam. Perfect for unwinding after a day exploring Lisbon's hilly streets. And yes, those hills are steep – always bring comfortable shoes, because while Lisboners are chic, heels and cobblestones don't make a good combination.
The hotel is located between Avenida da Liberdade and Bairro Alto, making it easy to reach almost everything on foot. Príncipe Real is a ten-minute walk away, the nightlife of Bairro Alto is just around the corner, and the botanical garden offers a green haven in the heart of the city.
The staff deserve special mention: enthusiastic, helpful, and without the overly conscientiousness you sometimes encounter in five-star hotels. They speak perfect English but are also happy to help you with your broken Portuguese. It's that combination of professionalism and genuine hospitality that sets The Vintage apart.
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